Interviews witnesses

Have witnesses complete initial witness statements or interview witnesses while incident details are still fresh... 

A multi-disciplined team interviewed witnesses and performed tests, and the evidence was followed to a sound conclusion. Investigators sent the explosion meters (flammable gas detectors) to the instrument shop for examination. The welding torch was also inspected. Experts found both the torch and the meter behaved satisfactorily. There was speculation that some aquatic life deteriorated and formed methane, but that was not the case. They concluded that the fuel was dissolved methane from the well water system that was routed to the pump seal. Trace amounts of dissolved methane (about 0.02 percent by volume) accumulated in the well water stream flowing through the 3/8-inch-diameter stream on the... 

Interview witnesses as soon as possible and definitely before they talk to each other or to others not involved in the incident. Once witnesses talk to others, their memories as to what happened... 

Interview witnesses individually and never in a group setting. If possible, interview a witness at the scene of the accident. It also may be preferable to carry out interviews in a quiet location. Seek to establish a rapport with the witness and document information using their words to describe the event. Put the witness at ease and emphasize the reason for the investigation. Let the witness talk and listen carefully and validate all statements. Take notes or get approval to record the interview. Never intimidate, interrupt, or prompt the wimess. Use probing questions that require witnesses to provide detailed answers. Never use leading questions. Ensure that logic and not emotion directs the interview process. Always close the interview on a positive note. 

A multidisciplined team interviewed witnesses and performed tests, and the evidence was followed to a sound conclusion. Investigators sent the explosion meters... 

Interview witnesses as promptly as possible after the incident. As time passes, witnesses could forget important details or change their stories after having had time to talk with other employees. Never interview witnesses in a group. Witnesses should be interviewed in private. Explain how knowing the full story may prevent a serious injury to another employee, and explain the purpose of the interview. Make sure that the witnesses know that they are doing a service by giving a frank and honest account of what they saw and what they know. 

Root cause analysis methods Techniques—Interviewing witnesses... 

Leading incident investigations Interviewing witnesses to incidents Preserving evidence from incident investigations Conducting root cause analyses Evaluating the results of root cause analyses... 

Step 2 Gathering evidence and information. Studying accident evidence and interviewing witnesses is the primary mode of gathering information. 

Teach the team how to do the investigation (especially interview protocols) before they go out and gather evidence and interview witnesses. There is a correct way to interview witnesses showing respect, not use leading questions or making accusations, etc. 

All witnesses and potential witnesses should be interviewed. Witnesses may include not only what team members saw, but also what they heard and when they heard it. If an unsafe act contributed to the incident, you may find no witnesses come forward, even though someone probably was an eyewitness. Sometimes a less formal approach will yield more valuable information, especially with an unwilling witness. 

If it becomes necessary to interview witnesses to the injury, several key points should be considered... 

A complete listing of the chain of command, including who will be in charge of the investigation, gather physical evidence, take notes and photographs, interview witnesses and victims, prepare the final report, and receive copies of the final report. 

When interviewing witnesses, remind the employee that the investigation is to determine causes to prevent future injuries. 

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